Best and Worst Jewelry to Wear This Summer, From Jewelers and Stylists

Expect to see more vibrant stones this season, especially in spring and summer when many want cheerful and expressive accessories, said Tiffany Tram, third-generation jeweler and cofounder of LoveLetter.

Tram told BI that vibrant stones can add a “fun” pop of color to a look and colorful jewelry pieces can feel extra personal if you choose ones with your birthstone or the birthstone of someone special.

Try to style these pieces with soft shades and clean lines so your gemstones do the talking, she added.

Everyday basics like hoop and tennis bracelets are being reimagined with asymmetry, unexpected silhouettes, and mixed metals, Olivia Landau, founder, CEO, and fourth-generation jeweler of The Clear Cut, told BI.

She said classic styles “with more personality” are really popular right now and can elevate simple looks.

For example, Landau said, traditional studs and hoops are being swapped for ear cuffs, chunky huggies, and styles with more sculptural or angular shapes.

Capsule Closet stylist Michelle Barrett said we’ll be seeing a lot of people mixing finishes and styles this season.

For example, pairing delicate chains with chunky styles and silver bracelets with gold ones.

“This trend is versatile and allows for personalization, letting you combine sentimental pieces with newer finds for a curated, effortless vibe,” she told BI.

Nothing says cool quite like a brooch, Kendra Sharpe, stylist and founder of Kendra Sharpe Styling + Creative, told BI.

She said we’ll likely be seeing people thrift brooches and style them to match the vibe of their outfits this summer.

They come in so many styles and designs that there’s one for just about any look.

To start, look for summery brooches, like ones shaped like sea creatures or shells, and play with pinning them on bags, jackets, or tops.

Dainty pieces will never go out of style — but, for now, you may want to save these staples for work or formal events.

This summer is all about chunkier styles that add personality to an outfit without sacrificing polish, Sharpe said.

Sculptural bangles, oversized dome rings, and bold hoops are on trend right now, Tram added. These chunkier pieces can give looks a touch of timeless luxury while having more visual impact than dainty pieces.

Sharpe recommends skipping oversized, attention-grabbing watch styles this summer and reaching for classic timepieces instead.

Look for sleek metal bands, minimalist faces, and designs that feel timeless rather than trendy, she said.

Branded nameplate necklaces and accessories with logos are continuing to fall out of favor this year for many, Tram said.

Instead, Landau added, she’s seeing shoppers gravitate toward custom name pendants or jewelry pieces engraved with phrases or adorned with initials.

“It’s not just a trend — it’s a shift in how people shop for jewelry,” Landau told BI. More consumers want to invest in pieces with meaning.

Several experts we spoke to said wearing a perfectly coordinated necklace, bracelet, and earring set can feel dated.

After all, Barret said, mixing metals, textures, and styles for a more personal touch is trending right now.

Instead, Landau told BI, people should focus on curating unique jewelry “pieces that work together but aren’t too coordinated.”